IPL, 'Impact player' rule faces criticism: All we know
The 'Impact player' rule has lately come under the scanner in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). This rule, which was introduced ahead of IPL 2023, allows teams to substitute a player, whether a batter or a bowler, during the game. Several members of the cricket fraternity including Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Siraj have raised their apprehensions against the rule. Here are further details.
What is the 'Impact player' rule?
Besides naming the playing XI ahead of a match, a team also names four substitutes. Now among these four players, one cricketer can be brought in as a substitute before the end of the 14th over of either innings. A team can make only one substitution change in a particular match. The outgoing player won't take any further part in the contest.
Why does this story matter?
This rule effectively makes an IPL game a 12-player per-side contest. As it allows teams to operate with five specialist bowlers, the need for an all-rounder has reduced. Owing to the same, all-rounders like Rahul Tewatia, Shivam Dube, and Rachin Ravindra have not bowled much in the last two seasons. Many cricket stars have hence raised their voice against the rule.
Rohit concerned about the all-rounder's role
"I am not a big fan of Impact sub rule. It is going to hold all rounders back, eventually cricket is played by 11 players not 12 players. You are taking out so much from game to make it entertaining for people around. I feel guys like Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar aren't getting to bowl," Rohit had said on 'Club Prairie Fire' podcast.
Flat pitches in IPL 2024
The luxury of an extra batter allows players to attack from the outset. This has handed a massive disadvantage to bowlers as most of the pitches in IPL 2024 have been batting-friendly. In fact, five of the six-highest team totals in IPL history were recorded in the initial half of the 2024 season. RCB pacer Siraj pointed out the same thing recently.
Here is what Siraj said
"Please remove this impact sub thing (laughs), the wickets are already flat and there's nothing for the bowlers in it, previously, it used to be slow at times, but the batters now come out swinging at absolutely everything," Siraj said following RCB's defeat against KKR on Sunday.
Another key ramification of the 'Impact player' rule
There has been a lot of emphasis on identifying the right combination in T20 cricket. The introduction of the 'Impact player' rule has made this area even trickier as any of the 15 players from a side can feature in a particular contest. Tracking or judging a player's performance is hence not easy for the team management or captain.
